Friday, January 25, 2013

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26.01. (Sat) 20:45 Juventus - Genoa

PROBABLE LINEUPS

JUVENTUS
Buffon
Barzagli, Bonucci, Caceres
L'steiner, Pogba, Vidal, Marchisio, De Ceglie
Quagliarella, Vucinic

GENOA
Frey
Pisano, Granqvist, Manfredini, Moretti
Rossi, Kucka, Matuzalem, Antonelli
Immobile, Borriello

New Genoa coach Davide Ballardini could probably not have an envisaged a more difficult opener when his side travel to Turin to face Serie A champions and current leaders Juventus.

But there is hope for the 49-year-old, as the Bianconeri are without key injured players Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Pirlo, while Kwadwo Asamoah is at the Africa Cup of Nations.

It means Paul Pogba, who scored a stunning double last weekend for the Old Lady, is likely to continue in midfield.

Meanwhile, the visitors will be without defender Juan Manuel Vargas and striker Bosko Jankovic for the trip to Juventus Stadium, but January signing Thomas Manfredini from Atalanta looks almost certain to start at the back.

Ciro Immobile, who has been linked with Juventus, is likely to start up front. New signings Ruben Olivera (loan) and Enis Nadarevic could be on the bench.

DID YOU KNOW?

Juventus' win against Udinese was their first victory in 2013, but Conte's men are still going strong as they top Serie A, five points ahead of second-placed Napoli.

The last time these two sides met, the Bianconeri ran out 3-1 winners with Kwadwo Asamoah grabbing the clincher.

The Old Lady have only ever lost once to their opponents, back in 2009, when the Grifone won 3-2 and finished fifth in Serie A that year.

Davide Ballardini becomes Genoa's third coach already this season having replaced Luigi Del Neri and Luigi Di Canio, respectively.

Ballardini has already taken charge of the Rossoblu before, between November 2010 and June 2011. He lost both matches to Juventus that time and has only ever beaten the Bianconeri once in eight attempts, back when he was coach at Palermo.

Prediction
Genoa have struggled on the road this season having only managed to get eight points out of a possible 30. Defensively they seem quite solid, but going forward they have lacked a clinical edge in front of goal. Juve will be too strong for their opponents and should comfortably beat the Grifone here.
Editor's Prediction
Juventus 3-0 Genoa

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26.01. (Sat) 19:00 Algeria - Togo

PROBABLE LINEUPS

ALGERIA
M'Bolhi
Mesbah, Bougherra, Belkalem, Medjani
Lacen, Kadir, Feghouli, Boudebouz
Soudani, Slimani

TOGO
Kossi
Dare, Mamah, Sadate, Bossou
Komlan, Segbefia, Alaixys, Dove
Adebayor, Ayite

Togo tactician Didier Six has identified Saturday’s Afcon 2013 Group D encounter with Algeria as a must-win game.
The Hawks go head to head with the north Africans at Rustenburg’s Royal Bafokeng Stadium, knowing that another defeat will automatically end any lingering hopes of reaching the quarter-final stage.

Both sides will be bidding to bounce back from late disappointments in opening matches of the tournament.

Algeria were sunk by a late Tunisia winner in the same stadium on Tuesday and now face an uphill battle to reach the last eight while it was a similar story for Togo, who lost 2-1 to Cote d'Ivoire with another late goal denying them what would have been a surprise point.

The outcome of the match against the Ivorians left Togo coach Six seething over his team's disallowed goal. The Hawks cancelled out Yaya Toure’s opener when Jonathan Ayite struck in first-half stoppage time, and had the ball in the back of the net off a corner after the break.

But that effort was ruled out by Cameroon referee Alioum Neant, apparently because the corner had been taken too quickly. Arsenal’s Gervinho then compounded Togo’s plight with the winner two minutes from time.

“There were too many refereeing mistakes. It’s not an excuse, but there were too many abnormal decisions,” Six told reporters. “We must now regroup quickly and get ready for our must win contest against Algeria. We must win because that is the only way we can reach the last eight of the tournament.”

Cote d'Ivoire and Tunisia meet in the earlier game in this group and a draw in this battle would open things up a bit for the two sides, but if the game fails to produce a winner, the hopes of both (Algeria and Togo) will be hanging by a thread.

Algeria head coach Vahid Halilhodzic is optimistic that they will prevail over Togo. “The match against Togo will determine our future in this competition. If we get to the quarter-finals you never know what can happen, but we have to get there first and it starts on Saturday against Togo.”
“I have followed the Togo team, they made a super match against Ivory Coast and perhaps they didn't deserve to lose," he said. "They created a lot of opportunities. It is a very strong team physically also."

Valencia midfielder Sofiane Feghouli and Medhi Lacen of Getafe are the players to watch in a largely inexperienced squad for Algeria while Togo will bank heavily on Tottenham Hotspurs striker Emmauel Adebayor, who had a relatively quiet game against the Elephants in the opening match.

DID YOU KNOW?

Algeria coach Vahid Halilhodzic was in charge of Cote d'Ivoire between 2008 and 2010, but prior to that he had managed French clubs Rennes, Lille and Paris Saint Germain.

Algeria’s captain and defensive midfielder Medhi Lacen (pictured right) played in all three of Algeria's 2010 World Cup group stage matches.

Under coach Halilhodzic's command, Algeria has won eight matches and lost only one heading into the Africa Cup of Nations. It was 19th in Fifa's world rankings in December, the best ever for the nation. It is currently ranked 22nd.

Togo are currently ranked 77 on the Fifa table after losing six points, but are still ahead of Angola and Senegal.

Emmanuel Adebayor remains Togo's all-time top scorer with 26 goals.

Togo had their worst defeat in 1979, losing 7-0 to Morocco, while they registered their greatest victory against Swaziland 6-0 in 2008.
Togo Coach Didier Six played for the French national team for nine years – from 1976 to 1984, earning 52 caps for his country and scoring 13 goals as a winger.

Prediction
After a disappointing start for the Algerians, they will be determined to get back on track in this encounter, and their quality may be too much for Togo.
Editor's Prediction
Algeria 2-1 Togo

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26.01. (Sat) 18:30 Manchester Utd. - Fulham

PROBABLE LINEUPS

MANCHESTER UNITED

Lindegaard
Rafael, Jones, Vidic, Evra
Valencia, Carrick, Cleverley, Nani
Rooney
Van Persie

FULHAM
Schwarzer
Riether, Hughes, Hangeland, Richardson
Duff, Karagounis, Sidwell, Kacaniklic
Ruiz
Berbatov

Sir Alex Ferguson is still without midfielder Darren Fletcher (bowel surgery), while Jonny Evans (hamstring) and Ashley Young (knee) will not be involved.

In defence, Rio Ferdinand could feature, although Sir Alex may take the opportunity to rest one of his regular central defenders with Phil Jones and Chris Smalling returning to fitness.

The hosts may also look to rest goalkeeper David De Gea after an extended run of league games for the Spanaird, while he also has the options of using Danny Welbeck, Chicharito and Shinji Kagawa in attacking roles.

The visitors, meanwhile, will be without Simon Davies (neck) and Kerim Frei (groin) while Mahamadou Diarra is not expected to be fit for another week.

Martin Jol can, however, boast numerous attacking options as winger Ashkan Dejagah and strikers Mladen Petric and Hugo Rodallega are also in contention.

Kieran Richardson is likely to continue at left-back, although Jol can alternatively choose to restore the out-of-favour John Arne Riise to the starting line-up.

DID YOU KNOW?

Manchester United are currently on a 10-match unbeaten streak in in all competitions, while they have not lost in 13 matches domestically.

The Red Devils have won the FA Cup a record 11 times. The last time they won the competition was in 2004.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side have also scored the highest amount of goals in the Premier League (57) this season, with striker Robin van Persie leading the scorers charts with 18.

Manchester United's record defeat in the FA Cup was a 7-1 loss to Burnley in the first round in Februrary 1901.

Martin Jol has never beaten Sir Alex Ferguson in his managerial career.

Fulham have won just twice in 12 Premier League away games this term and needed extra-time to overcome Championship side Blackpool in the last round.

Fulham have also lost 31 of their 36 visits to Old Trafford, drawing three times and winning just twice. Since their last victory in 2003, United have won the fixture nine consecutive times.

The Cottagers' top-scorer this season, Dimitar Berbatov has scored seven goals this campaign. Saturday's game will be the Bulgarian's first visit to Old Trafford since leaving Manchester United for Fulham in the summer.

Prediction
Manchester United are red hot favourites going into the tie, with recent form, history and sheer firepower on their side. Sir Alex Ferguson has spoken of his desire to re-carve the Red Devils' name on the FA Cup trophy and will surely pick a side too strong for Martin Jol's men.
Editor's Prediction
Man Utd. 3-0 Fulham

Week 22 – Serie A 2012/13 OPTA Facts


Atalanta v AC Milan
Prior to Atalanta's win in the reverse fixture back in September, the Orobici had picked up only one point from their previous six meetings against AC Milan in Serie A.
At home, Atalanta have won only two of their last 20 meetings against AC Milan, losing 13 of those fixtures.
Atalanta have won only one of their last nine Serie A fixtures and have drawn the last two 1-1.
AC Milan have won six of their last eight league games.
However, the Rossoneri have won just two of their last nine games on the road, losing three and drawing four.
AC Milan have scored 29 goals in the second half, 16 of which have come in the last 15 minutes of play - both are seasonal highs in Serie A.
Atalanta have scored only four goals in the last 15 minutes of play - fewer than any other side.
Giampaolo Pazzini has scored six goals in Serie A against Atalanta - only against Lecce and Bologna has he netted more (seven).
German Denis has failed to score in his last three league appearances, after he had netted five over his previous seven games.

Bologna v Roma
Bologna had the better in the reverse fixture, after having picked up only four points from their previous nine meetings against Roma in the league.
Roma have scored in each of their last 20 meetings against Bologna in Serie A - at an average of 1.9 goals per game.
Bologna are winless in their last four home meetings against Roma (three losses and a draw) and have failed to score in the last three.
Bologna have won on each occasion this season when they have scored more than a single goal (six times).
Bologna have lost only one of their last six home fixtures, with three wins and two draws in the process.
Last Sunday against Inter, Roma drew their first game after a run of 15 Serie A rounds without sharing the points.
In fact, Roma are yet to draw away from home this season (five wins and six losses, including defeats in their last three games on the road).
This game will see the team who have scored the most goals in the first half (Roma, 21 goals) facing the side that have conceded the second-fewest before half time (Bologna, six).
Roma have already lost 16 points from leading situations; only Genoa have dropped more (17).
Alberto Gilardino has scored nine goals in Serie A against Roma; only against Udinese (13) has he bagged more.
Alessandro Florenzi has scored two goals in Serie A, the last coming against Bologna in the reverse fixture.

Cagliari v Palermo
This will be the 24th meeting between Cagliari and Palermo in the top-flight: the Sardinians lead by nine wins to seven.
Palermo have kept only one clean sheet over their last 10 league meetings with Cagliari (0-0 in August 2010).
Cagliari have won only one of their last 11 Serie A fixtures, losing seven times.
Palermo are winless in their last seven league fixtures and have picked up only two points in the process.
Palermo's last away win was back in April (3-1 against Bologna) - since then, the Sicilians have recorded five draws and 10 losses.
Over these last 15 away games, Palermo have scored only six goals and failed to find the net in 10 of them.
Cagliari have picked up 64 yellow cards, more than any other side in this competition.
Palermo have scored only 18 goals so far in this campaign, with only Pescara (17) netting fewer.
Marco Sau made his Serie A debut against Palermo in the reverse fixture, when he also scored his first goal.
Franco Brienza has scored four goals in 12 appearances against Cagliari in Serie A - the Sardinians are in fact his favourite target.

Catania v Fiorentina
Over the last six league meetings between these two sides, the balance is perfectly even: two wins each and two draws.
Previously, Fiorentina had remained unbeaten for 15 games against Catania (12 wins and three draws).
However, over their last three meetings in Sicily, Catania have picked up seven points without conceding a single goal.
Catania have lost just one of their last six league games, with four wins in the process.
The Sicilians have lost only two home games in this campaign (vs AC Milan and Juventus).
Fiorentina have scored only two goals over their last three games - previously, the Viola had scored on average 2.3 goals per game over 13 match-days.
Fiorentina have lost two of their last three games on the road, conceding seven goals in total.
Catania have recouped 13 points from trailing situations - a league high.
Fiorentina have scored 20 goals in the first half; only Roma have netted more before half-time (21).
Fiorentina have seen 13 different players score a goal for them so far this season- a league-high.
Stevan Jovetic has already scored four goals in Serie A against Catania, but only one at their ground so far.
Francesco Lodi has scored 17 goals in Serie A, but only the first of these came from open play.

Inter v Torino
Inter are unbeaten against Torino since February 1994 - since then, the Nerazzurri have a record of 14 wins and three draws.
Torino have lost more games against Inter than any other opponent (62).
Torino have scored more than a single goal only once in their last 24 meetings against Inter.
Inter are unbeaten against Torino at the San Siro since February 1988 - since then, there have been eight wins for the Nerazzurri and five draws.
Inter have won only one of their last five league games, losing two and drawing two.
At home though, the Nerazzurri are unbeaten in their last eight league fixtures (six wins and two draws).
Torino have won their last two games, after managing only two wins over their previous 13 league games.
Antonio Cassano has delivered six assists over his last 10 Serie A appearances, but hasn't scored since October.
Rolando Bianchi has scored seven goals in this campaign - almost a third of the total of those netted by Torino.
Alessio Cerci has scored two goals and assisted one over the last two games won by Torino in this competition.

Juventus v Genoa
Juventus are unbeaten in their last seven meetings with Genoa in the league (four wins and three draws).
Genoa have won only one of their last 18 matches against Juventus (3-2 in April 2009).
In Turin, Juventus have lost only two of their last 45 games against Genoa, one in 1937 and the other in 1991.
The Old Lady have won three of their last four home fixtures without conceding any goals, the other match being a loss to Sampdoria.
Genoa have won just one of their last seven league games, losing four.
Away from home, the Grifoni have won just two of their last 22 games.
Juve have the best attack (45 goals scored) and the best defence (14 conceded) in this competition.
Juve have had the most shots on target (157) and boast the best shooting accuracy in Serie A (48.5%).
Genoa have already lost 17 points from leading situations - a league-high this campaign.
Sebastian Giovinco is Juve's best scorer this season in all competitions (10 goals, six of which have come in the league).
Ciro Immobile made his Serie A debut with Juventus in March 2009 - he has already found the net against his former team, in the reverse fixture back in September.

Lazio v Chievo
Lazio and Chievo have met 21 times in Serie A: the Biancocelesti lead by eight wins to four.
Lazio are unbeaten in their last seven meetings against Chievo (four wins and three draws).
Lazio have won just one of their 10 previous meetings against Chievo at the Olimpico.
The Biancocelesti are unbeaten in their last 10 Serie A fixtures (seven wins and three draws).
At home, Lazio are on a run of eight wins and a draw in the league, while Chievo have lost eight of their last 10 games on the road.
Last Saturday against Palermo, Lazio dropped points from a leading situation for the first time this campaign - they've now won 13 games and drawn one after taking the lead this season.
Lazio have scored the most goals in the last 15 minutes of the first half; Chievo have conceded the most over the same period of play (nine).
Sergio Pellissier has scored seven goals against Lazio, including one in the reverse fixture - more than against any other Serie A opponent.
Hernanes has bagged four goals against Chievo, his favourite target in Serie A, including a brace in the reverse fixture.

Parma v Napoli
Parma and Napoli have met 27 times in Serie A: the Partenopei lead by 11 wins to 10.
Napoli have won four of their last five meetings against Parma, with the Ducali having the better just once.
Parma have picked up only one point from their last four home meetings against Napoli in the league.
Parma are unbeaten in their last five games (three wins, followed by two draws).
The Ducali are unbeaten at home in their last 15 fixtures in the league (11 wins and four draws).
Napoli are unbeaten in their last four games and have scored 10 goals in the process, conceding two.
Parma have a record of eight wins and two draws from leading situations so far in this campaign, while they have recouped 13 points from trailing situations (joint-most alongside Catania).
Napoli have the second-best attack of this Serie A (41 goals scored) and the second-best defence (19 conceded).
Edinson Cavani has scored 11 goals over the last 10 league games - he is the only player with two hat-tricks scored in this campaign.
Ishak Belfodil has scored seven goals and assisted three in this Serie A campaign - he has been involved in 10 (34.5%) of his side's 29 total goals.

Sampdoria v Pescara
This will be the eighth meeting between these two sides in Serie A: Sampdoria are unbeaten with four wins and three draws.
Over these seven previous meetings, Samp have failed to score only once against Pescara (0-0 in October 1987).
Sampdoria have won just one of their last seven league fixtures (2-1 against Juventus).
The Blucerchiati have failed to score in each of their last three Serie A games on home soil.
Pescara have lost their last two league games by 2-0; previously they had won two games in a row.
Pescara haven't shared the points in any of their last 12 league games (four wins, eight losses).
Pescara have lost six of their last seven games away from home, with a win at Fiorentina coming in the midst of that run.
Sampdoria have conceded the most goals from the penalty spot in this campaign (five).
Pescara have conceded 22 goals before half time - a competition-high.
Maxi López scored a brace in the reverse fixture - since then, he hasn't found the net in six Serie A appearances.
Mervan Celik has netted three goals so far in Serie A, the first coming against Sampdoria back in September.

Udinese v Siena
This will be the 18th meeting between these two sides in Serie A: Udinese lead by eight wins to four.
Over their last five meetings, these two sides have shared two wins each and a draw.
At home Udinese lead by six wins to one, with one draw.
Siena have scored in each of their last eight meetings against Udinese in the league.
By losing to Juventus, Udinese ended a positive run of six unbeaten games in the league (four wins and two draws).
Udinese have lost only once at home this term (vs Juventus) - since then, they have notched up four draws and five wins.
Siena got back to winning ways last Sunday against Sampdoria, after picking up only one point from their previous seven fixtures (0-0 vs Chievo).
Siena kept a clean sheet in their last fixture, after conceding an average of 2.8 goals per game over the previous six match-days.
Siena have taken only five points in 10 games away from home so far in this campaign.
The Tuscans have attempted the fewest shots so far in this competition (136).
Antonio Di Natale has found the net in four of his last five league appearances against Siena.

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26.01. (Sat) 16:00 Brighton & Hove A. - Arsenal

PROBABLE LINEUPS

BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION
Ankergren
Lopez, Greer, El-Abd, Bridge
Bridcutt, Orlandi, Hammond
Barnes, Mackail-Smith, LuaLua

ARSENAL
Szczesny
Jenkinson, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Gibbs
Diaby, Wilshere, Ramsey
Oxlade-Chamberlain, Walcott, Podolski

Defender Bruno (achilles) returned to training this week but the right-back may not be risked on Saturday.

Spanish midfielder Vicente (thigh) played his first game of the season after a long-term injury on Tuesday and could feature against Arsenal at some point.

Arsene Wenger ruled out Thomas Vermaelen (ankle) after picking up an injury midweek, meaning that Laurent Koscielny is likely to partner Per Mertesacker.

Mikel Arteta (calf) and Francis Coquelin (hamstring) are unlikely to be risked for the trip to Brighton but Abou Diaby should return to this side after missing the game against West Ham with illness.

Tomas Rosicky is in contention to be involved in the squad while Lukas Fabianski (ankle) remains sidelined.

DID YOU KNOW?

Brighton & Hove Albion have not played Arsenal since 1988.

In 12 meetings since the Second World War, Brighton have only beat Arsenal twice, with the Gunners winning eight times.

The two sides last met in an FA Cup fourth-round tie at the Goldstone Ground, with the Gunners running out 2-1 winners.

Seagulls manager Gus Poyet won the FA Cup as a Chelsea player in 2000.

The Gunners are yet to lose a game in which they have taken the lead this season, winning seven and drawing two. Arsenal are 6/4 with Bet365 to be winning at both half-time and ful-time.

Arsenal are yet to win four games in a row across all competitions this season.

In 13 matches between the sides, Arsenal have outscored Brighton by 24 goals to five.

Arsene Wenger has won four FA Cups since taking charge of Arsenal in 1996, the last of which came in 2005, the Gunners' most recent taste of silverware.

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26.01. (Sat) 16:00 Ivory Coast - Tunisia

PROBABLE LINEUPS

COTE D'IVOIRE
Copa
Bamba, Toure, Tiene
Toure, Zokora, Gradel, Tiote
Drogba, Gervinho, Traore

TUNISIA
Mathlouthi
Gharbi, Alheishri, Abdennour, Boussaidi
Mouelhi, Saihi, Hammami, Msakni
Jemaa, Khelifa

Cote d’Ivoire face Tunisia in the second round of Group D matches, following victories for both sides in the opening fixtures. The Ivorians defeated Togo 2-1 in a match where the Togolese showed their ability, but the class and stamina of the Elephants allowed them to snatch the win.

The Carthage Eagles found a similar situation in their game against fellow north Africans Algeria, with a superb strike from Youssef Msakni stealing the show, and all three points.

This clash is set to be one of the most entertaining yet, as the Ivorians have incredible firepower, while the Tunisians possess players of quality who can change the game with ease.

The Tunisians will be without leading scorer Issam Jemaa, who was injured in a tackle during the early stages of the previous match. That will be a big disappointment for coach Sami Trabelsi, as the striker has been in good form and has the experience of scoring 34 goals under his belt.

Cote d'Ivoire go into this match with a full strength squad, and coach Sabri Lamouchi will look to build confidence ahead of the knockout stages with a commanding performance.

Didier Drogba and his star-studded team-mates are the main attraction of the tournament, and they will be feeling the pressure to win the Afcon title in South Africa, with many of the players conscious of the fact that this is likely to be their last Nations Cup campaign.

DID YOU KNOW?

There are six English Premier League players in the Cote d'Ivoire 2013 Afcon squad and five French Ligue 1 players.

Despite the star-studded Ivorian team, they still came with one home based player, Badra Ali Sangare, who is the outfit’s third choice goalkeeper.

Didier Drogba has reiterated that this edition will be his last with the Elephants, although he said he would be playing in the 2014 World Cup if they happen to qualify.

Tunisia are known as the Carthage Eagles.
The north Africans will be missing their top scorer, Issam Jemaa, who has scored 34 times for Tunisia.
The Tunisians have been unable to repeat their success since their 2004 Afcon crown, only reaching the quarter-final stages of the tournament since they lifted the trophy.

Prediction
The Elephants will be looking to continue where they left off against Togo with another victory against tough opposition.
Editor's Prediction
Cote d'Ivoire 2-1 Tunisia

SPL Opta Facts - 26/27 January


Dundee Utd V Ross County
Ross County have found themselves amongst the teams that are most susceptible to late goals, leaking a joint-league-high nine after the 75th minute.
Ross County have lost three matches from winning positions this season, more than any other team.
Three of the last four meetings between these sides have ended 0-0, with the Terrors winning the most recent clash 2-1.
Dundee have mustered just one win in their last seven outings (W1 D3 L3), although they have averaged two goals scored per game in that period.
Ross County are on a two-match winning run (after going nine games without a victory), with captain Richard Brittain netting twice (one in each match).

Aberdeen V Hibernian
Aberdeen defeated Hibs by a single goal (1-0 and 2-1) in both league meetings so far this season, with midfielder Niall McGinn netting in each match.
Hibernian have scored eight open-play goals from outside the box this season, a joint-high in the division.
Aberdeen have one win in their last four games (D1 L2), a run of matches which has seen an average of 3.75 goals per game.
Niall McGinn has scored six goals in his last five games for the Dons.
Hibs' last five matches have produced a total of just six goals, with the Hibees winning one, drawing three and losing one.

Dundee V Kilmarnock
Dundee have the shyest attack in the SPL this season having scored just 13 goals, while they have shipped 42 in total, with only St Mirren conceding as many.
In all competitions, Kilmarnock are unbeaten in their last four matches against the Dark Blues (W2 D2).
Dundee are winless in their last eight SPL matches (D2 L6), the longest run of its kind in the division this season.
Kilmarnock have scored in every one of their last 17 league games, currently the longest scoring run in the SPL.
Killie have won one of their last five matches (D3 L1).

OPTA Facts La Liga 2012-13 Matchday 21


Celta Vigo v Real Sociedad
Celta Vigo have lost their last two top-flight clashes against Real Sociedad; they have not lost three in a row against them since 1982/83.
Vigo have won five of their last seven against Sociedad at the Balaidos in La Liga (D1 L1).
The last time Real Sociedad won in Vigo in La Liga was way back in 2003/04 (5-2); coincidentally the season Celta were relegated from the Primera.
Paco Herrera's side have won just one of their last seven league games (D2 L4), though this was in their most recent home game (3-1 v Valladolid).
Defeat in the Bernabeu in their most recent away game ended an unbeaten run on the road of four games for Real Sociedad (W2 D2).
Imanol Agirretxe, who scored the winner against Barcelona last time out, scored his only brace of the season so far against Celta.
Iago Aspas has scored in four of Celta Vigo's five wins this season (five goals in total).
Real Sociedad have recouped a league-high 11 points after conceding the first goal so far this term.
Celta Vigo have conceded exactly one goal in each of their last seven league games.

Levante v Real Valladolid
Levante have lost their last three against Valladolid in La Liga, failing to register a single goal in the process (six goals conceded).
There has never been a draw between Levante and Real Valladolid in the top-flight.
JIM's side have lost their last two league games; they have not lost three in a row since November 2011.
Real Valladolid have won their last two league games; they have not won three in a row this season.
Obafemi Martins, top scorer for Levante with six goals, has still not scored a goal in 2013.
Real Valladolid had 77% of possession in the reverse fixture against Levante this season, the most of all teams in a single game this term excluding Barcelona.
Levante have won more points thanks to goals in the final five minutes than any other team in La Liga this season (seven).
Djukic's side have made more successful long passes than any other team this season (824), while JIM's side have made the fewest (384).

Real Zaragoza v Espanyol
Real Zaragoza have won their last four league meetings with Espanyol, their best ever run against the Pericos in La Liga.
The Blue-and-Whites have lost on four of their last five trips to La Romareda in La Liga, claiming their only point in this run back in December 2007 (3-3).
The last time Zaragoza lost four or more consecutive top-flight games, then-manager and current Espanyol gaffer Javier Aguirre was sacked in December 2011.
After only seven games played, Espanyol have won more games under Aguirre (three) than they did in 13 under Pochettino this term (two).
Only Falcao (seven) has scored more penalties than Zaragoza's Apono this season (four).
Espanyol have lost more points following goals conceded in the final five minutes than any other top-flight team this season (five).
Zaragoza are yet to lose a game in which they have scored the first goal this season (W5 D1).
Espanyol have netted a league-high seven goals from corners this season.
Paco Montanes is the only Zaragoza player to have scored a goal from outside the area at La Romareda this season.

Deportivo v Valencia
Deportivo are winless in 13 league games against Valencia (D5 L8).
The last meeting between the sides at the Riazor ended in a 2-0 win for Valencia and resulted in relegation for Depor after 20 successive seasons in the top-flight.
Since 2004/05, Valencia have won more times at the Riazor than any other La Liga side (five).
Deportivo have the opportunity to win successive home games in the Primera for the first time since April 2011.
Valverde's side have won their last two away league games; 2-1 in Granada and 1-0 in Osasuna.
Between them, Riki (four) and Pizzi (three) have scored 64% of Deportivo's home league goals this season.
Roberto Soldado has scored three of the last four league goals scored by Valencia against Deportivo.
Deportivo have conceded a league-high 10 headed goals this season, while Valencia have scored a joint-high eight in this way.
Only Real Madrid (20) and Barcelona (15) have hit the woodwork more often than Deportivo (11) this season.

Real Madrid v Getafe
Real Madrid have won seven of their last eight derbies against Getafe, though the one they lost in this run came earlier in this campaign (1-2).
The Whites have won their last four against the Blues on home soil, scoring exactly four times in each of their last two.
Getafe have only won one of their eight top-flight trips to the Bernabeu; 1-0 in February 2008, Madrid's last home league derby defeat.
Mourinho's side have only won two of their last five league games (D2 L1) but remain unbeaten at home this season (W7 D2).
The Blues are winless in six away league games (D4 L2).
Gonzalo Higuain and Cristiano Ronaldo (eight each) have scored 16 of Real Madrid's last 22 goals against Getafe in La Liga.
Getafe's first ever goal against Real Madrid in La Liga was scored by current Real player Raul Albiol back in 2005.
Angel Di Maria scored his first away brace for Real Madrid against Valencia last time out.
Adrian Colunga has provided 20% of all assists for Getafe this season, the highest proportion of any La Liga striker.
Real Madrid have scored a league-high six goals on the counter attack this season.

Rayo Vallecano v Real Betis
Rayo Vallecano have won their last three against Real Betis in La Liga, their best ever run against the side from Sevilla.
Real Betis have won four of their eight previous trips to Vallecas in the Primera, but are winless in their last three (2D 1L).
Rayo have won their last two home league games; they last won three on the bounce in the top-flight back in 2001/02.
Real Betis, meanwhile, have won their last three away league games, their best top-flight run since February 1997 (four in a row).
Only Leo Messi (14 with 29 goals) has won more points with his goals than Piti (13 with nine) this season.
Ruben Castro needs one goal to become the leading Spanish scorer for Real Betis in this millennium (currently level with Joaquin and Fernando on 28).
Rayo have won more points with goals in the last 10 minutes (eight) than any other La Liga team this season.
Only Barcelona (37) and Real Madrid (22) have scored more away goals than Betis (17) this season.

Barcelona v Osasuna
Barcelona have won five of their last six league games against Osasuna (1L).
The Catalan giants have won seven of their last eight against the Reds in the Camp Nou (1L).
Osasuna have only scored once in these eight trips to face Barcelona, but that goal by Pandiani was enough to record their most recent win in the Camp Nou.
Barcelona defeated Osasuna 8-0 on home soil last season and in doing so inflicted on the Navarrans their joint-heaviest top-flight defeat.
The Catalan side have not lost successive league games since May 2009, though the second in this run came against Osasuna.
Osasuna have won just one of their last nine away league games (D2 L6), though that win came in Barcelona (3-0 v Espanyol).
Lionel Messi, who scored both away goals in the reverse fixture, has netted eight of Barcelona's last 14 in this fixture.
Messi has scored in his last 10 league games, his best record in La Liga.
Barcelona have the best conversion rate in La Liga this season (29.5%) while Osasuna have the worst (8.2%).

Athletic Bilbao v Atletico Madrid
Over the last 10 clashes between Athletic and Atletico, the sides have an equal record (five wins apiece).
The two red-and-white sides have not shared the spoils since December 2005, when they drew 1-1 in the San Mames.
Over the last seven years, Atletico Madrid have won four away games against Bilbao; against no side have they won more on the road in this period.
Only against Valencia (seven) has Fernando Llorente scored more La Liga goals than against Atletico (five).
Madrid have not lost either of their two games without Falcao this season (W1 D1), with Raul Garcia finding the net in both of them.
Aritz Aduriz has scored 48% of Athletic's goals this season, the highest proportion of any player in the top-flight.
Only Barcelona and Manchester United (18) have won more games than Atletico in the top five European leagues this season (15).
Diego Simeone's side have scored just one goal in the first 15 minutes all season, a league-low.
The Lions have conceded seven goals to penalties already this season, the most in La Liga.

Mallorca v Malaga
Malaga have only lost one of their last nine against Mallorca in La Liga (D4 L4).
On the Island, Mallorca have only mustered one win in their last six against the Andalusian side in the top-flight (D2 L3).
Joaquin Caparros' side have won just one of their last 15 league games (D3 L11) - a 2-1 victory at Betis in December 2012.
Mallorca have failed to win any of their last six on home soil (D2 L4), their worst run since January 2007 (eight).
The last time Mallorca had exactly 17 points after 20 games was 2008/09; they finished that campaign in ninth place.
Mallorca have conceded a league-high nine goals from outside the area this term, including a league-high three from direct free kicks.
Roque Santa Cruz has scored four of his five league goals from the bench this term; he has scored more goals as a substitute than any other La Liga player.
Malaga have conceded just two goals from set pieces all season, the lowest figure in the Spanish top-flight.

Sevilla v Granada
Last season, Granada won their first ever La Liga away game against Sevilla at the 14th attempt (D2).
Sevilla have only won one of their last eight league games (D2 L5).
Granada have conceded at least once in each of their last 13 away league games, their worst run since promotion in 2011.
Quique Pina's side have seen a pattern of loss, draw, win over their last six league games. For this to continue, they are due a defeat here.
Sevilla top scorer Alvaro Negredo (eight goals) has now gone five league matches without a strike, his worst run of the season.
Sevilla, who have suffered a league-high eight red cards this season, suffered their first expulsion of the season in the first round against Granada (Diego Lopez).
Granada have scored just 11 goals from inside the area (excluding penalties) all season, a league-low.
Jesus Navas has had more shots without a goal than any other player in La Liga this term (38).
Recio scored his first goal for Granada against Rayo last week with his first (and so far only) shot of the season.

Championship Opta Facts – January 26


Bristol City v Ipswich Town
Bristol have lost four of their last six Championship matches (W1 D1); including the last three in a row.
Ipswich Town have lost just one of their last six matches in the league (W2 D3 L1).
Bristol City have conceded a goal in every league game this season (27 matches). They are the only team in England's top four divisions yet to keep a clean sheet.
The Robins have picked up just 11 points at home this season (W3 D2 L8); the worst home record in the Championship.
The Tractor Boys are unbeaten in three matches on the road (W2 D1), conceding just one goal in those three matches.

Burnley v Birmingham City
Burnley have won four of their last five league matches (W4 L1); keeping clean sheets in all four of the victories.
Birmingham have won just one of their last eight matches in the Championship (W1 D4 L3).
Lee Clark's side have won just two of their 12 matches against sides in the top 10 this season (W2 D5 L4).
All 10 of the draws Birmingham have played out this season have been score draws.
The last five league games involving Burnley have produced just eight goals, with none of the matches featuring more than two goals.

Charlton Athletic v Sheffield Wednesday
Charlton Athletic have won their last three in a row; this after going the previous six without a win (D3 L3).
The Owls have won four and lost just one of their last seven league matches.
Both teams have scored in each of the Addicks last five league matches.
Wednesday have conceded just three goals in their last six away league games; keeping three clean sheets in the process.
Charlton have won 10 and lost just one of the 15 games that they have taken the lead in this season.

Nottingham Forest v Watford
Nottingham Forest have won two and lost one of their last five league games (D2).
Watford have won four of their last five league matches (W4 L1). The five matches produced 20 goals.
Nottngham Forest are yet to lose this season when they have scored first; winning seven of the 11 games they have opening the scoring in.
Watford are the Championship's top scoring side this season with 53 goals, 16 of which have been netted by striker Matej Vydra; who has the best shot conversion rate in the league (48%).
Eight of the nine matches Watford have lost this season have been by a single goal.

Wolves v Blackpool
Only Huddersfield Town (12) are currently on a longer winless run than both Blackpool (six) and Wolves (five) in the Championship.
Wolverhampton Wanders have won just one of their last 10 home games (W1 D4 L5) in the Championship.
Blackpool have won none of their last four games on the road in the Championship (D2 L2).
Wolves have scored the fewest goals (four) in the final 15 minutes of matches this season. Blackpool have scored the most (16) in this period.
Only Barnsley (19) have conceded the first goal of a match often more than Blackpool (18) this season.

League One Opta Facts – Jan 26th


Bournemouth v Crewe Alexandra
Only Swindon (32) have scored more goals at home in League One this season than Bournemouth (26).
Bournemouth are unbeaten in their last nine home league matches (W7 D2) and have only lost once at Dean Court all season.
Crewe have not won an away game after falling behind this season (D3 L5).
Bournemouth have defeated Crewe in each of the last four league meetings between these two sides.
Crewe have committed a league-low tally of 240 fouls this season in League One.

Carlisle United v Scunthorpe United
Scunthorpe have accumulated more than twice as many points away (17) than they have at home (8) this season.
Carlisle have conceded the highest number of goals at home (29), but they have won their last three home games, conceding only once.
Carlisle are unbeaten in their last three meetings with Scunthorpe (W1 D2).
Carlisle have not drawn a League One game since November 6th - a run of 11 games (W4 L7).

Colchester v Walsall
Colchester are currently on a nine match losing streak in League One, the longest-such run seen in League One this season.
Walsall have won four successive league games, conceding only two goals in the process.
Colchester have scored a league-low tally of two goals in the final 15 minutes of matches this term.
Walsall have lost on their last three visits to Colchester United, netting just one goal in this run.
Fabian Brandy scored in Walsall's 1-0 win over Colchester earlier this season and has netted four in his last six apps. He'll be suspended for this match, however, following a red card in his last game.

Leyton Orient v Notts County
Leyton Orient have lost only once in their last five home games (W3 D1) in League One.
Notts County are unbeaten away from home this season (W5 D7) and have drawn their last four away games in a row.
The Matchroom Stadium has played host to the fewest number of draws in the division this season, with Orient's last home match versus Crewe being the first and only of the campaign there.
Only Doncaster (9) have conceded fewer goals away from home than Notts County (10).
Leyton Orient have not lost at home after going ahead (W6 D1), but have lost on all six occasions when they have fallen behind.

Portsmouth v Hartlepool
Portsmouth have currently gone 13 league games without a win (D3 L10) and have collected only one point from their last six home games.
Portsmouth have scored 69% of their goals in the second half of matches, only Tranmere (70%) have scored a higher proportion after the break.
Hartlepool have found themselves behind in 21 of their 27 league games this season, losing 18 of those (W0 D3).
Hartlepool have won just two games and collected only 13 points this season in the league; fewer than any other Football League side.

Preston North End v Coventry City
Preston have not won at home since beating Yeovil on the 29th September - a run of nine matches (D5 L4).
Coventry lost their last away match at Carlisle, breaking a six match away winning streak.
Preston have been involved in a league high five goalless draws this season, but Coventry have been involved in none.
Preston have not lost any of their last eight league games against Coventry (W5 D3).
Coventry have squandered a league-high 23 points from a winning positions, although only seven of these have been lost away from home.

Shrewsbury Town v Bury
Shrewsbury are unbeaten in their last seven home games in League One (W2 D5), with the last three matches ending in a draw.
Bury are currently on an eight match run without a league victory (D4 L4).
Bury have not lost any of their last six games against Shrewsbury (W3 D3) in all competitions.
Shrewsbury have not scored a single goal in the opening 15 minutes of the second half (46-60 mins) in any of their matches.

Tranmere v Swindon
Swindon are on a seven match unbeaten run (W5 D2), during which they have conceded only two goals.
Swindon (14) and Tranmere (13) have kept the most clean sheets in the division.
Tranmere have scored 70% of their goals in the second half; a league-high tally.
Tranmere have not lost any of the 10 home games that they have taken the lead (W8 D2) in; while Swindon have failed to win in the five away game in which they have fallen behind (D2 L3).
Tranmere have not won any of their last five meetings with Swindon (L4 D1), and have failed to score in their last four in a row against them - including a 5-0 defeat earlier this season.

Statisticke činjenice

ŠPANIJA
- Valensija 82% golova postiže na svom terenu, a Malaga 83%.
- Saragosa je primila makar jedan gol na svakom meču pred domaćom publikom.

FRANCUSKA
- Rems već 13 kola ne zna za pobedu.
- Troa na 91% mečeva kod kuće prima makar jedan gol, a Evian na 80%.
- Nansi je trijumfovao u prvom kolu, što mu nije pošlo za rukom u narednih 20 rundi, u kojima je primao po najmanje jedan gol.

ITALIJA
- Lacio već deset kola ne zna za poraz.
- Sampdorija na 80% mečeva kod kuće prima makar jedan gol.
- Roma je na svakoj od prethodnih sedam utakmica primila gol, a najmanje jedan pogodak postiže na 82% gostovanja.

NEMAČKA
- Ajntraht na svakoj utakmici u Frankfurtu postigne, ali i primi makar jedan gol, a isti slučaj je sa Verderom na gostovanjima.
- Grojter je bez pobede već 16 kola, a na 89% mečeva kod kuće prima gol.

Statistika domacin-gost

Atletiko iz Madrida je gazda „Vinsente Kalderona”, a Bajern i Benfika su nemilosrni gosti. To pokazuje statistika liga koje su trenutno na kladioničarskim listama.
Kada igraju Atletiko Madrid, Elče, Porto i Olimpijakos na svojim terenima, zna se - tri boda su već upisana. Dok se za Olimpijakos i Porto očekivalo da budu gospodari šampionata Grčke i Portugala, prijatno iznenađenje je Atletiko iz Madrida. Predvođene fenomenalnim Radamelom Falkaom „jorgandžije” gaze sve redom. Ipak, postoji „ograda” da najbolji timovi Španije, Real i Barselona, još nisu gostovali na „Visente Kalderonu”.
Kada su u pitanju gostovanja, Barselona je do prošle nedelje imala svih deset pobeda, ali je u subotu neočekivano poklekla u San Sebastijanu protiv Sosijedada. Zato Bajern i Benfika gaze u gostima. Imaju samo po jedan remi, a zanimljivo je da su Bavarci primili samo gol.


NAJBOLJI DOMAĆINI
Atletiko M. (Španija 1) 11 0 0 32-6 33
Elče (Španija 2) 10 0 0 23-6 30
Olimpijakos (Grčka) 9 0 0 24-2 27
Porto(Portugal 1) 8 0 0 21-1 24
Belenses (Portugal 2) 10 1 0 19-2 31
Anderleht (Belgija 1) 10 1 0 30-7 31
Kvin of Saut (Škotska divizija 2) 10 1 0 28-5 31
Rendžers (Škotska divizija 3) 9 1 0 25-4 28

NAJBOLJI GOSTI
Benfika (Portugal 1) 7 1 0 21-5 22
Bajern (Nemačka 1) 7 1 0 20-1 22
Olimpijkoas (Grčka) 6 3 0 17-8 21